Netflix is adding all episodes of a ‘steamy’ period drama that is said to be Bridgerton meets Shameless.
Originally a co-production between ITV and Hulu, first airing back in 2017, seasons of Harlots will be available on the streaming platform from Tuesday this week (July 1). The series was actually based on a non-fiction book by historian Hallie Rubenhold called The Covent Garden Ladies.
While it was first shown to UK audiences via Starzplay, the BBC acquired the show in 2020. However, a whole new hosts of fans should be able to rediscover the title thanks to it gaining a new home on Netflix.
The series follows Margaret Wells, a brothel owner, who decides to extend her business to a rich clientele of Soho, London. However, her decision lands her in direct conflict with Lydia, a rival madame and her ex-employer.
Back in 2019, a critic writing for The Guardian claimed that Harlots was the ‘best show you’re not watching’. This was before the third and final season aired.
However, other reviewers have also praised the series, contributing to its near perfect 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One claimed: “This is a new style of historical drama, comparable perhaps to The Favourite but faster moving – and it’s also differently inflected in being a show almost entirely created by women.”
While another reviewer penned: “Harlots is a jaw-dropping drama that won’t give you easy answers or trite comforts, though it will take you on an emotional ride through the ups and downs of being a sex worker (of any status) in 18th century England.”
And a third suggested: “Come for the strong female-driven storylines and stay for the truly memorable costumes.”
Fans who have already seen the show are just as full of praise on why others should see it. One sharing their thoughts online, posted: “At first glance you might think this is a late-night steamy type series. I had avoided it because of this assumption. I’m so glad I found boredom and then turned this on. This is an excellent period drama with well established themes of patriarchy, survival, sexual empowerment, social status and class. There are very few likeable characters and the ones you like are constantly in peril. The tension never really lets up from start to finish.”
Another viewer declared that the series could be described as ‘Bridgerton meets Shameless’ whither someone else claimed: “AMAZING! it’s so addictive, the story line is absolutely fabulous and you’re always wondering what will happen next!”
Someone else said: “I’m finally getting around to watching this show and I’m obsessed. Can’t believe there won’t be a season 4. Brilliant character development, wonderful acting. I am on the edge of my seat to see what the characters will do next. I don’t want it to end.”
